Cornwall, nestled in the southwestern tip of England, stands as a beacon of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and industrial prowess. Its rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and rich history intertwine to create a tapestry of uniqueness and resilience. At the heart of Cornwall's identity lies its mining heritage, which played a pivotal role in shaping the region. For centuries, Cornwall was a global leader in tin and copper production, leaving behind a legacy of abandoned engine houses and sprawling mining landscapes (Ellis). Cornwall also boasts a vibrant cultural scene deeply rooted in music, art, and literature. Traditional Cornish festivals offer a glimpse into the region's rich folklore, where visitors can immerse themselves in the sounds of Celtic music, the rhythm of dance, and the aroma of local cuisine (Denton). The area even has its own distinct language, the Cornish language, which reflects a strong sense of cultural pride, and signals the preservation and celebration of Cornwall's unique heritage.
In the novel The Romance of a Shop by Amy Levy, Lucy Lorimer marries Frank Jermyn, a man from Cornwall who still has family living there. Frank proposed to Lucy right before leaving for Africa. In Britain there is news of an ambush of British troops in Africa, believing that Frank could have been killed, Lucy leaves to visit Frank's parents in Cornwall so they can grieve together. Frank comes back alive and the two are immediately married. Frank, as many from Cornwall are, is proud of his birthplace. In the quote: “’The country will be looking its very best,’ cried Frank, who loved his beautiful home… No one knows what the sea is like, till they have been to Cornwall,” (Levy) Frank displays his love for his hometown, indicates the cultural unity that Cornish people have, and illustrates the beauty of the landscape. The area of Cornwall has a large tourism industry because of its beautiful countryside. However, Cornwall grapples with economic challenges that threaten its sustainability. Because its economy is based on tourism, it is vulnerable to fluctuations in visitor numbers, leading to periods of low economic activity during the off-season and exacerbating income insecurity for local residents. This makes Cornwall one of the poorest areas of England.
Cornwall's rural geography presents infrastructural obstacles that hinder economic development and connectivity. Remote communities often contend with inadequate transport links, limited access to essential services, and slower broadband speeds, hampering opportunities for growth and prosperity (Becquart). Another pressing issue facing Cornwall is the shortage of affordable housing, driven by rising property prices fueled by second-home ownership and outside investment (Janell). This affordability crisis not only diminishes residents' quality of life but also undermines businesses' ability to attract and retain employees, particularly in sectors with lower wages.
Despite these challenges, Cornwall remains resilient, with a strong sense of community and a spirit of innovation. References in novels, like The Romance of a Shop, show the beauty of the area and the love the residents have for Cornwall. This sentiment holds strong throughout all obstacles and makes Cornwall a distinct part of Britain.
Work Cited
Becquart, Charlotte. “Talent in Rural Cornwall ‘wasted’ Because of Poor Infrastructure.” Cornwall Live, 18 Jan. 2022, www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/talent-rural-areas-cornwall-wasted-6508138.
Denton, Maxine. “Unique Cornish Festivals and the History behind Them.” Cornwall Live, 2 Feb. 2022, https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/unique-cornish-festivals-history-behind-6529851
Ellis, Sian. “The Story of Cornish Tin Mining.” British Heritage, British Heritage, 17 Jan. 2024, https://britishheritage.com/travel/cornish-tin-mining#:~:text=Mining%20history&text=In%20the%20early%2019th%20century,majority%20in%20the%2019th%20century.
“Greenaway Beach, North Cornwall” Britain Magazine, 06 May 2018, https://www.britain-magazine.com/features/region/england/south-west/cornwall/cornwall-photos/ 18 Feb. 2024.
Levy, Amy. Romance of a Shop. Boston, Cupples and Hurd/ The Algonquin Press, 1889.
Mullen, Janell. “Housing Needs Assessment.” NHCOG, 2020. https://northwesthillscog.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Cornwall-Data.pdf 18 Feb. 2024.
“People look out over the fishing port in Mousehole in the 1890s” The Guardian, 19 May 2016, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/gallery/2016/may/19/everyday-life-in-cornwall-captured-in-the-19th-century-in-pictures?page=with%3Aimg-7. 18 Feb. 2024.
“St Michael's Mount in Cornwall” Britian Heritage, 08 Dec 2023, https://britishheritage.com/travel/cornwall-beautiful-place-britain, 18 Feb. 2024.